The Drive began play in 1988 as a member of the Arena Football League. Under head coach Tim Marcum, the Drive finished the regular season 9–3 after starting the season 2–3.[1][2] Two of the Drive's losses came at the hands of the Chicago Bruisers, who finished the season with one loss. The Drive would get a chance at revenge when they advanced to ArenaBowl II against the Bruisers,[3] and they were able to defeat the Bruisers 24–13.[4]